Recommended Posts

I read the OP and the first response directly below it and immediately noticed both devices mentioned were recent Samsung models, neither of which run stock Android. Their custom TouchWiz stuff does change the experience to a large degree vs stock Android, or MotoBlur, or Sense. I honestly think that nobody is really comparing Android to iOS unless they are using a Nexus device with the actual stock UI and feel that Google intends. Sure the underlying parts are all the same between all the "flavors" of Android, but the experience of using the device can be dramatically different between them as well.

I believe Android apps can run in the background running any tasks they like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

For example, IRC clients which must remain connected to servers and active are possible on Android, but not on iOS.

If memory serves me correctly, multitasking in iOS and WP is similar in that, with a few exceptions, all apps are expected to gracefully suspend when sent to the background. Exceptions are few and done via the API - apps that play music, navigational apps, VoIP apps, or apps that need some extra time to complete tasks (like downloading files) are allowed to stay running in the background. A good explanation is here: http://speirs.org/blog/2012/1/2/misconceptions-about-ios-multitasking.html

IRC clients take advantage of the last bit - a grace period to complete tasks - and that is why they can stay open in the background for 10 minutes max.

I read the OP and the first response directly below it and immediately noticed both devices mentioned were recent Samsung models, neither of which run stock Android. Their custom TouchWiz stuff does change the experience to a large degree vs stock Android, or MotoBlur, or Sense. I honestly think that nobody is really comparing Android to iOS unless they are using a Nexus device with the actual stock UI and feel that Google intends. Sure the underlying parts are all the same between all the "flavors" of Android, but the experience of using the device can be dramatically different between them as well.

Just for clarification, first thing I did when I got my Galaxy S3 was Root it and installed 2 different custom roms, AOKP and CM10. Both of which are pretty close to stock with a few added features.

If memory serves me correctly, multitasking in iOS and WP is similar in that, with a few exceptions, all apps are expected to gracefully suspend when sent to the background. Exceptions are few and done via the API - apps that play music, navigational apps, VoIP apps, or apps that need some extra time to complete tasks (like downloading files) are allowed to stay running in the background. A good explanation is here: http://speirs.org/bl...ltitasking.html

IRC clients take advantage of the last bit - a grace period to complete tasks - and that is why they can stay open in the background for 10 minutes max.

Yeah, I think the problem with that is that Apple could remove such apps for abusive the multitasking APIs. Task completion wasn't really intended to maintain constant connections in the background.

That and the fact that you would probably want to stay connected for longer than ten minutes.

However, I think most would prefer Apple's way of multitasking as the battery life is worlds better and the only downside is that a few obscure applications can't operate in the way they should.

I have recently switched from iPhone 4S to Galaxy S3 [ Rooted and is running AOSP by Paranoid Android ]

I'm loving my phone so far but my only gripe is that there isn't a decent Media Manager which I can use for syncing my media. Google's Android File Transfer is a joke and doesn't detect my phone most of the time and Easy Phone Tunes is a hit or mix. [Mac]

I have recently switched from iPhone 4S to Galaxy S3 [ Rooted and is running AOSP by Paranoid Android ]

I'm loving my phone so far but my only gripe is that there isn't a decent Media Manager which I can use for syncing my media. Google's Android File Transfer is a joke and doesn't detect my phone most of the time and Easy Phone Tunes is a hit or mix. [Mac]

I had the same problem, went from iPhone to Galaxy Note2 and the media sync was my bug bear, after trying out a few i can really recommend

Double Twist + Airsync, they work really well and have a Mac/Windows desktop application that reads the iTunes DB importing songs and playlists, so far it's been working really well. Works well on the lock screen and in the notification and the cherry on the cake is that it sync's over wifi to.

Mine is set to Sync with an External SD card, which was the only thing i was worried about.

The only small criticisim i would have is that they nickle and dime you on the features, i.e. to unlock the EQ you have to pay a further ?5, however if this keeps the app supported then im don't mind too much, especially as it looks good too.

I had the same problem, went from iPhone to Galaxy Note2 and the media sync was my bug bear, after trying out a few i can really recommend

Double Twist + Airsync, they work really well and have a Mac/Windows desktop application that reads the iTunes DB importing songs and playlists, so far it's been working really well. Works well on the lock screen and in the notification and the cherry on the cake is that it sync's over wifi to.

Mine is set to Sync with an External SD card, which was the only thing i was worried about.

The only small criticisim i would have is that they nickle and dime you on the features, i.e. to unlock the EQ you have to pay a further ?5, however if this keeps the app supported then im don't mind too much, especially as it looks good too.

If you just want to sync music, why not simply upload the songs to Google Music and use the app to listen to them?

If you are talking about syncing videos, etc then why not use the Samsung Kies software or KiesAir? It does a good job.

I have recently switched from iPhone 4S to Galaxy S3 [ Rooted and is running AOSP by Paranoid Android ]

I'm loving my phone so far but my only gripe is that there isn't a decent Media Manager which I can use for syncing my media. Google's Android File Transfer is a joke and doesn't detect my phone most of the time and Easy Phone Tunes is a hit or mix. [Mac]

I had the same problem, went from iPhone to Galaxy Note2 and the media sync was my bug bear, after trying out a few i can really recommend

Double Twist + Airsync, they work really well and have a Mac/Windows desktop application that reads the iTunes DB importing songs and playlists, so far it's been working really well. Works well on the lock screen and in the notification and the cherry on the cake is that it sync's over wifi to.

Mine is set to Sync with an External SD card, which was the only thing i was worried about.

The only small criticisim i would have is that they nickle and dime you on the features, i.e. to unlock the EQ you have to pay a further ?5, however if this keeps the app supported then im don't mind too much, especially as it looks good too.

If you just want to sync music, why not simply upload the songs to Google Music and use the app to listen to them?

If you are talking about syncing videos, etc then why not use the Samsung Kies software or KiesAir? It does a good job.

...or you can simply copy your music folders to your Android sd card. Done :)

"iOS is more polished than Android" - Yes, this is true and its because Apple was been playing this game for a year longer than Google. IOS was released 1 year before Android and in 1 year they did a lot fo things.

Android may not be as polished as iOS and the app store may not be as fancy, but it catching up and it is catching up fast. You can't beat the hardware in an Android. My Note 2 hardware blows the iPhone 5 out of the water. Hell, the Galaxy S3 is faster than the iPhone 5. Tests after tests have proven that.

Why do you think Apple is so anxious to destroy Google? They are scared to death that Android is going to take over because they know Google has deep pockets and they know Google will keep improving Android and making it better and better and better it has gotten. I remember back a couple of years ago when I had the HTC Inspire, Gingerbread had a habit of crashing on me constantly and everytime it did, the UI fell apart. Jelly Bean doesn't do that. They have fixed that problem. I can't say that my Note 2 has crashed on me since I got it. Not once.

Before making a purchase Ive tried using both Note 2 & iPhone 5.

IMO in the Note 2 the IU & the Application Management is not even half as smooth as an iPhone 4S leave alone an iPhone 5.

The hardware quality (Plastics, Bezels etc.) is similar to that of an old iPhone 3G, which is quite a dampener.

Rough tests dont stand for anything if you dont have the application base to support that. (in which android may be catching but is still behind Apple)

I think a lot of people never actually try the pure android experience, instead the crappy samsung software.

I recently got a free upgrade to the s3, and hated it... I came from Galaxy Nexus. I sold it and ordered a nexus 4, the pure Google software is sooo much better, cleaner, nicer...etc.

If you're going to get an android phone, imo it has to be the pure experience. Otherwise it's like getting one of those cheap fake iphones, with fake ios on. it's just not the same

Google MUST start developing a media player which rivals iTunes. It should allow syncing all apps, music, videos, contacts, etc.

But hey it's the evil Google we are talking about. They will do no such thing and let their users rot at the mercy of third parties.

I think a lot of people never actually try the pure android experience, instead the crappy samsung software.

I recently got a free upgrade to the s3, and hated it... I came from Galaxy Nexus. I sold it and ordered a nexus 4, the pure Google software is sooo much better, cleaner, nicer...etc.

If you're going to get an android phone, imo it has to be the pure experience. Otherwise it's like getting one of those cheap fake iphones, with fake ios on. it's just not the same

yea it's certainly better Android but it's still Android ;)

Will you still say iOS is more polished when the time comes and it navigates you, say, into a forest instead of where you actually want to go?

Please tell me you are joking because that was just silly of you to say. the maps on my iphone 5 with ios 6.01 works fine

sure they had a few bugs but for the most part its fixed.

  • 4 weeks later...

I was just speaking to a friend about how it seems most iOS to Android users end up coming back to iOS. I'm not sure I could do without my iPhone. I've also tried Android devices and I just can't seem to develop the same level of fondness towards them. There are a great deal of new, top-notch Android devices on the market... all with rock-solid specs and features, but when it comes down to it the user interface is what makes or breaks it for me, and so far I haven't found anyhting that can hold a candle to Apple's iOS.

Sorry for the late reply to my other post.

I tried google music but didnt like the player app. However I know that Google are rapidly developing it so I've got it installed and watch it.

In the other reply why not up load it all. I did do a lot of this but it got annoying when I got new tracks and albums and I change playlists around a lot.

So far double twist has been working really well

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe review: your headphones will love it by Steven Parker If you have been reading Neowin for any length of time, you may remember that I reviewed the Sound Blaster Audigy FX Pro back in April. I found it to be an excellent budget sound card, even though it lacked support for formats such as DTS over the included SPDIF port. Anyway, Creative reached out to me again asking if I was interested in reviewing the Sound Blaster AE-X. It is a card mainly targeted at headphone wearers, which I'll get into a bit later. Before we get underway, here is a disclaimer: Creative Labs provided a free sample without any review pre-approval. Here are the full specs of it: Creative Sound Blaster AE-X Dimensions: 179 x 126 x 18 mm Weight: 263g / 9.28 oz Platform: PCI-e DAC: ESS ES9039Q2M Connectivity Options Side: Rear: 1 x HD Audio Front Panel Connector, 1 x ⅛“ Headphone port, 1 x RCA Line-out (Left) port, 1 x RCA Line-out (Right) port, 1 x Coaxial SPDIF-out port, 1 x ⅛“ Mic in/Line-in port, 1 x TOSLINK SPDIF-in port Surround: No DNR / SNR: THD+N: 0.0001% Dynamic Range 130 dB Recording Resolution: PCM up to 32-bit / 192kHz (Stereo) Direct Mode: Line Out (Stereo): PCM up to 32-bit  384 kHz Coaxial SPDIF Out: PCM up to 24-bit 192.0 kHz Headphone Amp: PCM up to 32-bit / 384kHz (Stereo) Native DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 Output Impedance: 1Ω, Supported Headphone Impedance: 8–600Ω, IEM: 0.5Vrms, Low: 1.5Vrms, Mid: 3Vrms, High: 6Vrms, Maximum output power: 350mW @ 32Ω (High), Maximum output voltage: 6Vrms (High) Front Panel Headphone Amp: PCM up to 32-bit / 192kHz (Stereo) Native DSD: DSD64, DSD128 Output Impedance: 10Ω, Supported Headphone Impedance: 32–300Ω, Maximum output power: 40mW @ 32Ω, Maximum output voltage: 1.9Vrms ASIO: ASIO 2.3 Total Harmonic Distortion: THD+N: 0.0006% Dynamic Range: 114 dB Scout Mode: Yes EMI shielding: No (but it passed all the FCC emission tests) Operating temperature: 0–45°C Input Power: 12V⎓0.5A Warranty: 1 Year (MSRP) Price: $179.99 / £169.99 The Sound Blaster AE-X was announced at the end of May, and it becomes clear that it is mainly for headphone wearers. I should also note that the card does not support DDL/DTS encoding technology, but it is said to support decoding through the coaxial SPDIF port. I was able to test this working with the classic Windows Sound properties, but I could not get a DTS (decode) signal through my Logitech Z906, it defaulted to 3D sound whenever I played DTS content through Plex or Emby. In addition, this card only supports two channels (stereo) over the speakers. The surround support is limited to the Headphone Amp, so before I get underway, what we have here is a card mostly intended for headphone use, especially with its SPDIF In (Toslink) port where you could connect another device like a console. So what about the highlights of this card? The AE-X is powered by the ESS SABRE DAC (ES9039Q2M), which is capable of a 130 dB dynamic range. In addition, it supports 32-bit/384 kHz playback for deeper detail and clarity. The headphone amplifier delivers up to 350 mW @ 32Ω, which admittedly far surpasses standard onboard audio, offering support for studio-grade headphones. DSD256 and ASIO 2.3 are also supported. What doesn't it have? No support for What-U-Hear, Super X-Fi, or the SmartComms Kit No EMI shielding, but it passed all the FCC emission tests (from the FAQ) I also want to make it clear that I am no audiophile. For me, it's purely subjective and it should just "work" out of the box. First impressions As I said in the introduction, I was a bit sad to see that the AE-X only supports stereo output, meaning it would not be on par with my ALC1220 over my speakers, as I mentioned it seems like this card is marketed toward headphone users. Since I am not an avid gamer that would rule me out as a potential customer, but I can still test its capabilities! The card arrived in a nice-looking box, as shown above. It's quite a bit larger than the Audify FX Pro that I reviewed back in April, and at first I thought the covering meant that it was EMI shielded, but it isn't as mentioned above in the highlights section. What's in the box: 1 x Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe card 1 x 3.5 mm CTIA TRRS to Dual TRS Headset Splitter Cable 1 x Quick Start Guide Aside from the Quick Start Guide, which someone at my age (I guess) needs a magnifying glass to read thanks to the tiny fonts, Creative Labs also has the manual online, which first requires you to prove that you're human in order to access it (so I can't direct link it). Anyway, the box is mostly made up of cardboard, and the only plastic in it is the anti-static bag for the card itself. Design Top Bottom The card itself looks pretty cool and actually wouldn't look out of place in an all-white build. There's only one connector, and for some reason it is awkwardly placed on the side (front-facing) that is for the front panel audio connector, which will let you use the headphones through the front PC audio jack. Since the front panel Headphone Amp has fewer capabilities than the rear headphone port, I decided not to use it. Rear of card PCI-e interface The rear of the card is completely open and is normally where you would find the front panel connector. The PCIe interface side is completely covered, which initially made me think it was EMI shielded. I/O panel Side (front-facing) with Front panel connector On the outer rear bracket side we have the TOSLINK SPDIF in, Coaxial SPDIF out, RCA line out (Right), RCA line out (Left), Headphone out, and Mic/Line in ports. On the front facing portion of the card itself is the F-panel connector. Usage Test System Our test system consists of the following: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER (BIOS F12) Corsair RM1000x (2024) Thermal Grizzly Kyronaut (33x33x0,2mm) 2x 32GB Kingston Fury Beast RGB DDR5 6000MT/s CL36-38-38-80 T-Force Z540 2TB (PCIe Gen5) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition (NVIDIA) Creative Sound Blaster AE-X Windows 11 25H2 Pro I installed the card into the Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER which includes the RealTek ALC1220 onboard audio. For our subjective listening tests, I used the Coaxial SPDIF port to my Logitech Z906 speakers. For headphone tests I used the OneOdio Studio Max 2 Wireless DJ Headphones that I reviewed last month. After installing the audio driver, I installed Creative Nexus, which is a relatively new app designed for the latest Sound Blaster cards. Then I discovered the AE-X needed both a driver update from 1.00.15.0001 to 1.01.09.000 and a firmware update from 1.00.06.0000 to 1.00.06.0002, then I was set to go. It should be noted that the card did not work without the driver (not Plug and Play). As you can see above, you can manage the firmware, driver, and inputs via Advanced Settings on the Device tab. By default Nexus enabled "Direct Mode". Upon clicking on Acoustic Engine, the Equalizer can be enabled and set to four different presets, which are: Gaming Music Movies Footsteps Enhancer There's also a dedicated Scout Mode for gamers. I mainly used Tidal and Spotify in the past week to listen to some of my Liked Songs (which now total over 700) in Shuffle mode; there were no pops or interference that I could hear. I also found a 5.1 Surround Music playlist on Tidal that sounded really great over Studio Max 2 headphones. When I reviewed the Audigy FX Pro, I went out and purchased a Logitech Z906 set second-hand for €100 specifically to use with the card, but in this instance all I could get on the AE-X was the 3D output of surround sound through Coaxial SPDIF and although it still sounded great, it isn't quite as good as DTS Interactive via my onboard Realtek ALC1220. Conclusion So what have I learned? The AE-X lacks multi-channel support for 5.1/7.1 setups and drops support for modern surround technologies like Dolby or DTS, functioning strictly as a stereo output device. So to really benefit, you will need Studio-grade headphones to "hear" the benefits of this card. With that being said, I can imagine it will appeal to gamers who are switching between console and PC. By utilizing the SPDIF in port, you could just plug your headphones into the AE-X (front or rear port) and then switch between PC and Console without having to move the headphones to a different port. As I said in the Sound Blaster Audigy review, the EQ in the Creative Nexus app offers safe presets, which allows a user to further tweak the lows, mids, and highs for a personal listening experience. Of course it all depends on the headphones you hook up to it. Speaking of headphones, I kind of wish I had higher-quality Studio-grade headphones to really test this card with; I'm not usually wearing headphones in my day to day duties. The only time I will wear them is if I want to listen to music very late at night and I don't want to disturb my neighbors, so my rating (verdict) is based on this fact. Someone with a PC/Console setup and wears headphone religiously to game, and consume media will benefit much more than I from the high-quality Headphone Amps that are included in the AE-X. Once again, I do feel like Creative could have gone the extra mile to support the S/PDIF port a bit more. Why include it if you're not supporting the main popular digital formats? It seems like the decision was more of a legacy-based one, offering uncompressed 2-channel PCM audio, for users with high-fidelity audio systems and external DACs. Maybe I will be lucky enough to review a card that truly includes all these features in the future. I am sure readers with far more knowledge on audio systems than me will correct me in the comments below. I'll just say I am happy to learn what I don't know! Where to buy The Sound Blaster AE-X is available to purchase now in preorder for $179.99 on the U.S. Creative website, or for £169.99 on the Creative UK website and will start shipping to customers from June 25.
    • $80 or 90%, anything else would be financial suicide one way or another.
    • Or... just use Bitwarden. Free, and has on-prem option as well. Works both on desktop and mobile, wherever you are. The age of local password files is over.
    • Thanks
    • I actually got to use one of those so called "backup codes" once. It was for a customer, I choose the backup code option, and by the grace of god, they actually hade them printed out. Imagine my surprise, when after using the backup code, Google then told use we had to enter a code they just sent to the gmail address we currently did not have access to. I was not amused, Google backup codes should be the end all get out of jail free card, because you had to have access to the account to even get them.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Genuinetonerink- Dubai earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Genuinetonerink- Dubai earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Year In
      hhgygy earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Week One Done
      AMV earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      513
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      164
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      88
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      74
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      73
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!